Allora AATR-101 Bb Trumpet Review

This instrument is a valid choice for a beginner trumpet player. As a professional trumpet player and teacher, I often find that many beginning students need a reliable and affordable option to get started with their musical training. The Allora trumpet is a viable option for either a beginning band student or a solo beginner.

Things to Consider Before Buying Beginner Trumpet

To be completely honest, this is not the best trumpet in the world. However, you don't give a new driver the keys to a Rolls-Royce. This trumpet is made for the beginner. If the student takes to playing the horn, there are step-up horns available later. My experience with beginner students is that buying an expensive horn does very little good. In fact, they are likely to damage it before they really know what they are doing. They simply need a horn that works as intended. This horn aaomplishes that.

The Allora AART-101 Bb Trumpet

This horn is very nice looking. The lacquor finish is a two-tone gold appearance. It is partially classic brass and partially rose gold brass. The product has a 4.5" bell which is pretty standard. The valves are Monel piston valves. The horn is known for decent intonation as well as mechanical reliability. This Allora trumpet also comes with a fitted case to protect the horn from damages. The price also makes th horn readily accessible to students. Overall, the value for the money is well worth the purchase of this beginning student trumpet.

Features and Benefits

Decent Intonation

This is probably the most impressive part of this product. Many horns at this price point do not have good intonation. This horn is easy to tune. It is not perfect, but it is rare to find even professional models with perfect intonation. Part of intonation is also the player. If you have ever heard a beginning instrumentalist, you know that the best horn in the world may not help their intonation. They have to learn to hear the tones, though. In this way, having operational materials is important for the student's musical development.

Good Value for Money

The price point of this product is a good selling point. As stated before, you do not give a beginner student an expensive horn. This is a wonderful option to start. After 6-12 months, however, it may need to be upgraded. A lot of students are encouraged to try music. All children should at some point. Many later decide that the activity is not for them. They may even decide to play another instrument. This is okay, but you do not want to be out a bunch of money if the student decides that they do not want to play trumpet. That makes this model ideal for this purpose.

Beautiful Appearance

I think the best part of this particular trumpet is the appearance. The horn is a mixture of classic gold and rose gold color. The material is brass, and the finish lacquor. Because the trumpet is lacquor, it is easy to maintain. Just a simple wiping down after playing keeps the product looking nice. Any soft and clean rag would do for this, though there are professional cleaning cloths available. The appearance will additionally fade, but it will last a long time if it is taken care of.

Comes with Case

This trumpet also comes with a case. That can be a huge asset to the value of the horn. Trumpet cases can cost anywhere from $50-$500. The fact that the case is included will save students money. The case is fitted to make sure the horn is protected from any potential damage.

Pitched in Bb

This is the most common pitch of trumpet. However, it is not the only one. The Bb trumpet is an excellent option for students. Almost all method books for trumpet are written in this key. This is a good way to set a student up for success on the instrument.

Rating

Design

3

Performance

3

Construction

3

Value for the Money

5

User Satisfaction

4

Alternatives

Yamaha YTR-2330 Standard Bb Trumpet Bb

I firmly believe that the Allora horn is the best you can find in that price range. However, if you have a little bit more to spend, you can get a horn that is appropriate for beginners but has the potential to last for years. This Yamaha horn is much more expensive. However, it is realistic that this trumpet could last the student through their high school years. Reviews for the Allora trumpet complain of valves sticking and finish coming off in th first few months. This horn will definitely not do that.

Etude ETR-100 Series Student Bb Trumpet Lacquer

This horn is comparable in price and quality with the Allora trumpet. It does not use the rose gold brass on the bell and lead pipe. This may mean more damage over the long run with this horn. However, it is a closely comparable horn if you do not like the look of the Rose gold brass on the Allora. It is equal in almost every other aspect, though the different bell material may make a slightly brighter sound.

Jean Paul USA TR-330 Standard Student Trumpet

The Jean Paul sound is rich and the bore projects well. The smooth valves make finger motions a breeze and it comes with an excellent mouthpiece and case. The quality at the price is unbelievable; you will be able to trumpet for years. This trumpet is an amazing beginner instrument. While it is more expensive than other beginner trumpets, it will grow with you well into the intermediate stage. The feel and quality seem more akin to a trumpet in a higher price range.

Final Thoughts

Every student has to start on something. This horn is a great solution. It is inexpensive, pretty, easy to maintain, has a good sound, and has an overall good value. It also comes with a case and mouthpiece, making it an even better value. The student will be mostly set to go on the first day. While there are better horns on the market, this one is ideal for beginner trumpet students. Looking for a trumpet is not easy, so to help new players we reviewed this 5 beginner trumpets.

Stephanie Su

Started learning music when she was four years old, Stephanie is a music teacher and a music therapist who is highly proficient in Piano, Violin, Guitar, and Ukulele. She likes to learn, teach, and share her music playing experiences.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 2 comments

Jen
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January 10, 2019

I am looking for a modest price trumpet for my son. He was given an older model trumpet when he was in 5th grade, a brand that is now discontinued. It has given us some problems. He is now in 7th and would like to continue to play into HS. Yamaha seems a little steep for us. Can you suggest anything else
Thanks